Theodore Roosevelt has returned to Oyster Bay, though this time it is not by horseback or train. TR's face is on 40 new street banners lining Audrey Ave. and other major streets downtown in the hamlet.

The photograph of Roosevelt on the banners is taken from around the time he organized and led the First United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, better known as the Rough Riders. The regiment was formed after Spain declared war on the United States in 1898 and valiantly served its country in Cuba.

Included with TR's picture is text that reads, "Welcome to Oyster Bay, 1653" and "Home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States." The purpose of the banners is to create a welcoming and inviting feeling for people visiting the downtown area.

Col. Roosevelt himself would frequently pass through the downtown area, going from the Oyster Bay Railroad Station to his home at Sagamore Hill about three miles away. His offices as president were also located downtown, first in the Octagon Hotel, then the Oyster Bay Bank Building, and finally in the Moore's Building where the popular Wild Honey restaurant is located today.

According to Jim Bruns, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, "TR will always be a part of Oyster Bay's past, present and future. It was his hometown, where he raised his family, where he worshiped and where he wished to be buried. Today, TR's legacy can be seen throughout the hamlet."

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association was responsible for managing the banner project. Since 2001 the Main Street Association has worked on improving public spaces, facades, and signage. They have also encouraged collective marketing of the many historic cultural attractions in and around Oyster Bay.

Main Street President Bill Sheeline says about the project, "this is a perfect blending together of our interests in history, preservation, and improving the hamlet."

The Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and Theodore Roosevelt Association also supported this project. Alex Gallego, president of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce said, "we should celebrate our relationship to TR because this is one thing that makes us different from every other place."

TR Parade Saturday, Oct. 25

This year also marks the occasion of the 150th anniversary of TR's birth. Among the events to celebrate this milestone will be an old-fashioned hometown parade on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m., starting on Berry Hill Road, turn onto South Street, and follow Audrey Avenue to Town Hall.

Such parades are an Oyster Bay tradition dating back to 1958, when TR turned 100 years old. According to Lance Elder, co-chair of the 2008 Parade Committee, "The 100th anniversary of TR's birth in 1958 and his 125th birthday in 1983 were both celebrated with large parades in Oyster Bay. This is a hometown tradition that includes many local individuals, businesses and organizations, and attracts huge crowds of well wishers. This year's Parade Committee hopes to make the 150th Anniversary Parade even bigger and better."

Also serving on the 2008 Parade Committee are Co-Chairs Mike Rich and John Hammond, Oyster Bay Town Historian. Rich's participation is a family tradition dating back to his father's participation on the 1958 Parade Committee. Both Rich and Elder were co-chairs of the 125th anniversary Parade.

This year's parade will include an array of bands, including the Clan Gordon Highland Piper Band, West Islip Fire Department "Brewers" Band (2007 New York State Champions), Suffolk County Police Department Pipe Band, State University of New York Maritime Band, Oyster Bay High School Band and Vernon Elementary Band; fire engines, including equipment from the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company (known locally as "The Rough Riders"), Oyster Bay Fire Company (known as "Teddy's Boys"), and the East Norwich Fire Department; Boy Scouts; civic and historical organizations, including the Oyster Bay Historical Society, National Park Service and Raynham Hall Museum; and veterans organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. The parade will also feature members of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, "Rough Riders," Troop A; the Nassau County Mounted Police unit; and James Foote, as TR.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will have a "Family Festival" on Sunday, Oct. 26, with traditional music and storytelling, children's crafts and activities, demonstrations and exhibits, pony rides, and food vendors. A Birthday Celebration on Monday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature a flag-raising ceremony, the U.S. Navy Band, a commemorative postal station, and birthday cake cutting.

Banners are the latest addition to ongoing efforts meant to beautify and improve the hamlet. This past spring volunteers from several area organizations were involved in a Community Clean Up Day to keep the sidewalks and streets looking clean. Forty hanging flower baskets were soon added to lampposts downtown, bringing beauty and color to Oyster Bay throughout the spring and summer months.

In an effort to keep pace with the season, mums and other fall-appropriate decorations will be added to the downtown in the coming weeks. Then for the holidays the traditional decorations will be supplemented by 30 additional snowflakes added at special locations along Route 106 and leading into town. Volunteers gathered for the Community Clean Up on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Derby-Hall Bandstand and disbursed to locations throughout the downtown commercial area.

Those who would like to participate in beautification activities in Oyster Bay or who wish to make a contribution are encouraged to contact the Oyster Bay Main Street Association at 922-6982 or visit www.oysterbaymainstreet.org and make an online donation.